Earlier this week it was announced that Darren Aronofsky is going to turn Margaret Atwoods MaddAddam trilogy into a TV mini-series for HBO. This is not before time: the series of books is arguably some of the best post-apocalyptic literature (and, possibly, just some of the best literature) that has been seen in decades. Atwoods quick wit and smart satire permeates every page, and theres no shortage of action and adventure. Its verging on outrageous that there hasnt been an adaptation before now...but then re-imagining any book onto the screen is never going to be an easy task. What we do know is that any adaptation of the MaddAddam trilogy is never going to be boring (whoever manages to do that deserves a medal and a hanging). The end product is likely to be either a fantastic success, or a devastating disappointment on a par to something like The Golden Compass. So its worth being both optimistic and skeptical. There are plenty of reasons why it could work, but also a boatload why it wont. Starting with the positives, here is why the MaddAddam mini-series could be awesome, and why it could suck...
5 Reasons It Could Be Awesome:
5. HBO Makes Great Shows
You may have heard of TV network HBO, seeing as theyve only brought us some of the best television that has ever been made and set a new standard for US drama. Take your pick: Game of Thrones The Wire, Sex and the City, Girls, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, and True Blood have all been HBO, and that reputation alone demonstrates how this network will be perfect at bringing Atwoods post-apocalyptic vision to life. HBOs shows often go straight to the heart of the matter, and of the people they portray. As a result they are often very relatable (even when theyre centred on mobsters or vampires) because the crux of each show is the human relations within it. Part of the MaddAddam trilogys beauty is the way that all the characters connect with each other. If HBOs past shows are anything to go by, then its going to be a gem. The MaddAddam series is full of fairly fantastical animal hybrids, such as the pigoons, which could be easy to mock if brought on-screen badly. However HBO has shown that it knows what its doing with its effects team budget: Game of Thrones is the perfect example of this. As soon as something for adults features dragons, it often gets relegated to niche interest, and so can be incredibly easy to mock (sorry nerds). Game of Thrones has changed this by creating these interesting, believable, and beautiful creatures, making a show with three massive dragons go mainstream. In the same way they will hopefully ensure that creatures like the terrifying pigoons get the representation they deserve.